AshCon – Wishbone Ash – Chester Live Rooms

There’s a definite buzz about Chester this Saturday. It’s the day of Chester Races and impeccably dressed racegoers are flooding to the city for a frenzy of fashion, horses and gambling. But that’s not the only reason for a sudden increase in the population; Wishbone Ash are coming to town.

Over 50 years since their seminal 3rd album “Argus” burst on to the national consciousness, Wishbone Ash are holding their annual convention (Ashcon) in this historic city. Such is the enduring appeal of this band that the event draws fans from all over the UK, Europe and even the United States.

The convention itself comprises an afternoon featuring live performances by “tribute” fan bands, interviews and Q and A sessions with Wishbone Ash band members, together with a feast of band memorabilia and merchandise. The evening session is a full blown Wishbone Ash performance with support act, and that performance is the focus of this review.

The band line-up has changed many times over the years. Founding member, guitarist and vocalist Andy Powell is very much the forefront of the band, brandishing his trademark Flying V guitar with an authority undiminished by his long tenure in the band. Bassman Bob Skeat is now an Ash veteran of more than 25 years. Guitarist Mark Abrahams joined in 2017 and is firmly established together with drummer Mike Truscott.

The rain is hammering down outside the venue which is clearly at its maximum standing capacity. Humidity levels off the scale match the tension and anticipation as the acoustic support act ends a fair set which was received with courtesy by the fans.

The stage is completely dark as a somewhat surprising deep electronic chord startles the audience back to full attention. As that fades out the familiar techno synth intro to Real Guitars have Wings floods the packed theatre. Cue roar of applause and Wishbone Ash burst on to the stage. The guitars chime in unison, weaving the complex melody with harmony that is close to breathtaking. Powell strides easily towards the front of the stage, chin jutting a challenge to anyone who might not be impressed. Mark Abrahams makes it look easy, not glancing at his Les Paul Junior, smiling and finding the time to raise a hand to acknowledge thumbs ups from the crowd as he attacks the fretboard with machine-like precision. Crowd appreciation is unanimous and we know that we are in for something special.

As the cheers subside the staccato riff of We Stand As One chops across the floor, driven by the thunderous 5-string bass of Bob Skeat and the impeccable drumming of Mike Truscott. Skeat wears a constant smile that cannot fail to engage. You feel like you’ve known him for years after a couple of minutes in the audience. Mike Truscott proves his worth with timekeeping and impact that equals any previous Wishbone Ash drummer. He also has the ability to inject some feel and emotion into his performance, not something all of his predecessors had. I would have preferred my favourite, the title track from the Coat of Arms album, but this is still a great song.

Now it’s time to really indulge the fans with 3 of the classic tracks from the Argus album: The King Will Come, Warrior and Throw Down the Sword. These songs encapsulate the magic which first catapulted the band to fame and are performed with an enthusiasm and affection that makes you believe you are watching the band that gave birth to this music. Does Andy Powell’s guitar playing have the edge it had in the 1970’s? maybe, but it has something more, a fluidity and maturity that still retain that “difference” that set him apart 50 years ago. Mark Abrahams does more than justice to these classics, with his own style coming through to give a result arguably better than the originals. Audience reaction is close to ecstatic.

Step forward now with Deep Blues from the recent Blue Horizon album with its classic blues riff that feels like it was written on a freight train to Memphis. Hugely enjoyable with biting solos and great harmony sections from both guitarists.

Next comes what was possibly my favourite of the evening, the instrumental F.U.B.B. rumoured to stand for Fucked Up Beyond Belief. The growling tone from Bob Skeat’s 5-string sets the scene and the beat for semi-discordant harmony guitars, building to a blistering finish of almost impossible close harmony virtuoso runs. Bob smiles all the way through. Fantastic.

Standing in the Rain comes next, a melodic and catchy tune that surely could have been a successful single in the day. Then on to Jailbait from the 2nd Album, before a return visit to Argus for Blowin Free, the single that never was. This is executed with aplomb and you can see the whole band enjoying playing it. Tried to spot an audience member not singing along, but couldn’t.

The rumble of tom-tom drum roll announces the start of Phoenix from the very first album. Mark Abrahams demonstrates how to inject an incredible amount of feel into the soulful guitar solo. Andy Powell gives what I think is his stand-out vocal performance of the evening, hitting and sustaining some notes that make the hairs on your neck stand up.

The band exit the stage to rapturous applause but there is no way they are getting away without an encore. The gritty stabbing riff of Living Proof announces their return for an all-out live favourite rocker that has the fans jumping and joining in the chorus chant. Those expecting another high tempo rocker as a finale are somewhat confused when the last song of the evening is Peace from the album Bona Fide. This is a subtle harmony instrumental, laden with Celtic feel and emotion. Strange choice for an encore? Shouldn’t we be stamping feet and yelling? Somehow it didn’t seem strange, a bit like old friends saying goodnight to each other after enjoying each other’s company for the evening. A hand on the shoulder and a quiet parting of the ways.

It fits in with the spirit of the convention weekend and the gig in particular. Friends coming together to enjoy a band that they hold in almost religious esteem, enjoying themselves immensely and knowing they are going to do it again. Maybe it’s true what they say about Wishbone Ash fans being a family.

Setlist:

Real Guitars Have Wings

We Stand as One

The King Will Come

Warrior

Throw Down the Sword

Deep Blues

F.U.B.B.

Standing in the Rain

Jail Bait

Blowin’ Free

Phoenix